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- The humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine is rapidly turning into a human trafficking one in which women and children, who make up the majority of the refugees fleeing the war, are being exploited, according to the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten.
The outbreak of an armed conflict raises serious concerns about human trafficking inside the affected country; and about human trafficking and migrant smuggling of people fleeing across borders.
- Overview
- Invasion of Ukraine
Justin Addison (UK delegation) speaks at an OSCE session on countering trafficking in human beings in the context of armed conflict.
The armed conflict in Ukraine, caused by the unprovoked invasion by Russia, has created an increased risk of human trafficking across Europe. The number of girls and vulnerable women who find themselves unaccompanied or separated creates significant risks of gender-based violence, and child protection and trafficking risks. Difficulties in accessing basic goods and services and lack of access to safe shelter have rendered women and girls extremely vulnerable to this form of exploitation.
The seriousness of the situation makes it all the more regrettable that Russia refused to support the renewal of the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine’s mandate, whose office was doing excellent work with local authorities and social services on mechanisms to help victims of human trafficking.
Madam Chair, given the number of refugees vulnerable to exploitation, we must continue to mitigate the risk that Ukrainians are either trafficked into our countries for onward exploitation, or exploited after arriving via a safe and legal route. This requires an end-to-end response.
There are various actions States can take to help those most vulnerable to the effects of Russia’s illegal invasion. For the UK’s part, our Homes for Ukraine scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK.
To address the risk that the scheme may be used for trafficking, sponsors are subject to criminal and accommodation checks soon after, or prior, to the guest arriving. These checks are enhanced in the cases of children. We also ensure that law enforcement bodies are involved in the scheme and that local authorities are aware of who to work with, on the ground, to help mitigate those risks. Our National Crime Agency generates, disseminates and acts upon intelligence through our International Liaison Officer or ILO network, as well as with multilateral partners such as Europol and Interpol.
Oct 12, 2022 · We asked all participants to focus their contributions on four main areas related to trafficking and exploitation associated with the war in Ukraine: (1) emergent issues already observed; (2) particular risks and concerns; (3) recommendations for responses; and (4) words of caution for responses.
Oct 5, 2023 · Ukraine, Russia’s war and its economic impacts heighten civilians’ vulnerability to trafficking. A recent survey showed more than half of Ukrainian civilians are at risk of trafficking and willing to accept a risky job offer that could lead to exploitation.
Apr 11, 2022 · Allegations of rape and sexual violence perpetrated on those fleeing are now emerging, and the large numbers of displaced persons — with the presence of conscripts and mercenaries,...
May 6, 2022 · Russia's war on Ukraine: The risk of trafficking of human beings. At a Glance 06-05-2022. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of people to flee the country or move to safety within Ukraine's borders, resulting in one of the largest European humanitarian crises in recent times.
